SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Shen Buhai

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 34.5

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    This Legalist excerpt from Han Feizi‑Chapter 34.5 draws on Shen Buhai’s ideas. Through various anecdotes and metaphors, it stresses rulers must keep secrets, hide personal desires and make independent decisions to evade ministerial manipulation.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 34.2

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    This Legalist excerpt from Han Feizi‑Chapter 34.2 states the ruler is the focal point of interests. Rulers must conceal personal preferences and keep secrets, making independent decisions to avoid manipulation by crafty ministers.

  • The Methods of Shen and Han

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    The “Methods of Shen and Han” refers to the statecraft advocated by Shen Buhai and Han Fei, two leading figures of the Legalist school during the Warring States period. Han Fei synthesized Shang Yang’s emphasis on fa (law), Shen Buhai’s focus on shu (statecraft or administrative method), and Shen Dao’s doctrine of shi (power…

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 32.11

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 32.11 Legalist section presents assorted historical anecdotes. It admits a ruler’s personal example has influence yet insists governance must rely on law, merit‑based rewards rather than moral posturing.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 31.10

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    This is Explanation Two from Han Feizi: Inner Congested Sayings. With over ten cases covering households, courts and state relations, it illustrates the structural conflicts between ministers’ private interests and national interests.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 31.3

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    This excerpt comes from “Canon Two: Conflicting Interests” in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries Part II‑Six Subtleties. One of Han Fei’s most radical propositions, it rejects Confucian moral narratives of loyal ministers and reduces the ruler‑minister bond to a cold‑blooded interest formula: when ministers gain benefit, the sovereign’s interest perishes.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 30.12

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    This excerpt is from “Explanation Four” in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries of Sayings I. Han Fei argues rulers must break group‑report cover‑ups and conduct one‑on‑one inquiries. Free from powerful ministers’ manipulation and herd conformity, rulers can perceive truth and make sound strategic decisions.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 30.5

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    This excerpt is from “Canon Four: Individual Hearing” in Han Feizi. Rulers must hear ministers individually and hold them accountable. Breaking group‑report cover‑ups distinguishes genuine talent from impostors, eliminating officials’ opportunities to form cliques and mislead the sovereign.